Microfinance stocks were the standout performers in Nepal’s capital market on Sunday, attracting strong investor interest despite a broader market downturn.
The benchmark Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index fell by 0.31%, shedding 8.57 points to close at 2,679.98. However, bucking the trend, the microfinance sub-index surged by 2.32%.
The trading group index also recorded modest gains, inching up by 0.13%.
Out of 50 listed microfinance institutions, only four—Wean Nepal Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (WNLB), Support Microfinance Bittiya Sanstha Ltd. (SMB), Samaj Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SAMAJ), and Aatmanirbhar Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (ANLB)—experienced a decline in share prices. The rest closed in the green, reflecting a broad rally within the group.
Meanwhile, both companies under the trading sector that saw activity on Sunday registered gains.
All the remaining 11 NEPSE sub-indices, however, declined, with the Mutual Fund Index witnessing the steepest decline at 2.96%.
The market had previously gained 0.71% (or 19.04 points) on Thursday, the last trading day of the week. On Sunday, the NEPSE index swung between a high of 2,703.78 and a low of 2,665.78 before settling slightly above the day's low.
In total, 99 companies advanced, while 148 declined. The share price of Nepal Lube Oil Limited (NLO) remained unchanged.
Among notable gainers, Om Megashree Pharmaceuticals Limited (OMPL) saw a 10% jump, rising by Rs 102.40 per share to close at Rs 1,126.70. In contrast, Sindhu Bikash Bank Ltd (SINDU) fell by 8.16%, ending the session at Rs 845.
Trading volume also dropped significantly. Turnover declined to just over Rs 7.60 billion from more than 18.5 million shares traded—down from over Rs 9.82 billion and 22 million shares traded on Thursday.
Radhi Bidyut Company Ltd (RADHI) led the day’s turnover, accounting for more than Rs 714.9 million. Its stock rose by Rs 21.55 to close at Rs 790.20.
Total market capitalization stood at approximately Rs 4.46 trillion, down from the previous session’s Rs 4.47 trillion.
